Upper east: Stakeholders in disaster management within the Upper East Region have convened to explore strategies for operationalizing the region's disaster preparedness plan, aiming to bolster prevention, readiness, and response to emergencies.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting, facilitated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), assembled key stakeholders to review the plan. A significant focus was placed on ensuring the needs of vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and persons with disabilities, were incorporated into the emergency preparedness and response framework.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance coordination among institutions, ensuring that the Upper East Region is equipped with practical, actionable measures to mitigate the impacts of disasters, thereby safeguarding lives and property.
Ms. Yvonne Wonchua, UNFPA Focal Person at the Upper East RCC, highlighted that the engagement aims to prepare the region to address sexual and reproductive health needs and gender-based violence during emergencies. She noted that while the RCC and UNFPA have previously collaborated on maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence, the current focus has expanded to support other regions due to Upper East's commendable performance in those areas.
However, the presence of refugees and peacebuilding concerns necessitates continued UNFPA support in humanitarian and peacebuilding interventions. Ms. Wonchua emphasized UNFPA's capability in supporting emergency preparedness in sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence, despite not being primarily a humanitarian agency.
She remarked that the plan, coordinated by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), provides an inclusive framework integrating sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence into emergencies. She urged all stakeholders to contribute, whether technically, financially, or through other means.
Mr. Paul Wooma, Deputy Upper East Regional Director of Operations at NADMO, explained that the plan aims to transition the region from a reactive to a proactive disaster management approach. It outlines a multi-hazard framework for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, addressing recurring issues such as floods, dry spells, environmental degradation, conflicts, and spillover risks.
Mr. Wooma highlighted the need for priority districts and facilities to identify specific needs, establish referral pathways, maintain emergency supplies, and put continuity arrangements in place. He stressed the importance of simulation exercises to test institutional preparedness, involving the military, police, national security, health authorities, district assemblies, and other actors to clarify roles during emergencies.
He added that the region's disaster preparedness plan includes measures to tackle disease outbreaks, flooding, and other hazards.
Ms. Georgina Aberese-Ako, Acting Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Children, emphasized incorporating children's needs and protection into disaster preparedness plans. She warned that emergencies like floods and conflicts could expose children to sexual abuse and exploitation if not adequately prepared for.
Citing the Akosombo Dam spillage, she noted that affected individuals, including children, were inadequately sheltered, exposing them to potential sexual abuse. Emergency plans should therefore include provisions for separate, safe accommodations for boys and girls, alongside essentials such as food, clothing, sanitary pads, medicines, counseling, and psychosocial support.